Topical dapsone and dapsone/adaplene compositions and methods for use thereof

ABSTRACT

Dapsone and dapsone/adapalene compositions can be useful for treating a variety of dermatological conditions. The compositions of this disclosure include dapsone and/or adapalene in a polymeric viscosity builder. Subject compositions can be adjusted to optimize the dermal delivery profile of dapsone to effectively treat dermatological conditions and improve the efficiency of pharmaceutical products applied to the skin. Use of the polymeric viscosity builder provides compositions with increased concentrations of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether relative to compositions without the polymeric viscosity builder.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/885,805, filed on Oct. 16, 2015, which is a divisional of copendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/082,955, filed on Nov. 18, 2013, nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,161,926, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/728,403 filed on Nov. 20, 2012 andU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/770,768 filed on Feb. 28, 2013,all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present embodiments relate generally to compositions useful fortreating a variety of dermatological conditions. In particular, someembodiments relate to dapsone and dapsone/adapalene compositions andmethods for use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Acne is a group of common skin conditions characterized by the so-called“acneiform” or acne-like skin eruptions, which can be contaminated withbacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes, and can also be marked byinflammation. Acne tends to occur in the areas of skin where thesebaceous glands are most active, such as the face. Acne is associatedwith psychological trauma, and, if left untreated, can lead to scarformation and disfigurement.

Classification and the diagnosis of various acne conditions can becomplex, and even contradictory. Given this complexity andunpredictability, medication and other therapies, are often developed ona trial-and-error basis in order to determine the most effective courseof treatment for a particular patient. The outcome of any particularacne treatment regimen greatly varies from patient to patient, as wellas throughout treatment of a particular patient. In addition to thecomplexity and variability of acne conditions, treatment efficacy can begreatly affected by a patient's compliance with the treatment regimen.Patient compliance during acne treatment may be influenced by sideeffects, which, for topical medications, commonly include redness,itching, and skin peeling. The complexity of the drug regimen can alsonegatively affect patient compliance, particularly where two or moredifferent topical medications are prescribed simultaneously. Anotherfactor that negatively affects patient compliance is the cost of a drugregiment, which is considerably higher when multiple medications areprescribed. In some countries, acne is considered a cosmetic problem,and acne treatments are not covered by insurance plans, thus furtherincreasing patient's treatment costs. Certain compositions for treatmentof acne are available. Many of the available compositions include oneactive agent known to have anti-acne activity. Stability of compositionswith multiple anti-acne agents can be problematic. Also, thesecompositions can be difficult to manufacture.

The problems described above are not confined to the treatment or acne,but are also applicable to a variety of other skin conditions,including, but not limited, to conditions or classes of conditions withcomplex or unknown etiology and that are difficult to classify ordiagnose, in which, nevertheless, topical application of agents areknown to be effective at least in some cases. Examples of suchconditions or classes of conditions include psoriasis, rosacea andichthyosis.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for compositions and methodsused in a treatment of a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, inwhich topical application is potentially effective. The compositions andmethods provided herein address these and other needs in the art.

SUMMARY

Dapsone, (4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone) is a medicament possessingseveral beneficial medicinal activities. Dapsone is typicallyadministered as one of the medicinal agents used in the treatment ofleprosy. Dapsone and its derivatives are also effective for treatment ofbacterial infections, protozoal infections such as malaria, pneumocystiscarinii, and plasmonic infections such as toxoplasmosis.

Dapsone is also useful as an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been usedto treat skin diseases characterized by the abnormal infiltration ofneutrophils, such as Dermatitis herpetiformis, linear IgA dermatosis,pustular psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne vulgaris, and Sweet'sSyndrome.

Use of topical compositions of dapsone can be problematic. Topicalcompositions may act as drying agents for the skin. They removeessential oils and natural skin softeners from the skin thus causing itto be dry, itch and crack. Inclusion of exogeneous skin emollients, oilsand the like, however, causes phase separation and precipitation ofdapsone. Use of typical emulsifiers does not solve the dapsoneprecipitation owing to the lowered dapsone solubility and conflictingphysical characteristics of the phases of the resulting composition. Inparticular, topical compositions including dapsone and methods areneeded that would, for example, exhibit improved effectiveness, reducedside effects, or both, when used in a particular patient with a skincondition. Such improved topical compositions including dapsone andmethods of their uses are also needed to improve treatment of patientswith acne or suspected acne. The present dapsone and dapsone/adapalenecompositions can be useful for treating a variety of dermatologicalconditions. Some useful compositions include dapsone and/or adapalene ina polymeric viscosity builder. Some compositions can be adjusted tooptimize the dermal delivery profile of dapsone to effectively treatdermatological conditions and improve the efficiency of pharmaceuticalproducts applied to the skin. Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is asolubilizer for dapsone, thereby allowing compositions to be preparedwith increased solubilized concentrations of dapsone. As a result, thecompositions described herein are effective in treating dermatologicalconditions in a subject in need thereof.

Moreover, it has been found that use of a polymeric viscosity builderminimizes the intensity of yellowing of the composition caused by theincreased solubility of dapsone in diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. Inaddition, the polymeric viscosity builder influences dapsonecrystallization. This, in turn, results in compositions with improvedaesthetics (i.e., reduction in particle size which minimizes “gritty”feeling upon application).

In one embodiment, there are provided compositions including dapsone, afirst solubilizing agent which is diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,optionally at least one second solubilizing agent, a polymeric viscositybuilder, and water, wherein the dapsone is present at a concentration ofabout 5% w/w to about 10% w/w.

In one embodiment, there are provided compositions including dapsone, afirst solubilizing agent which is diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,optionally at least one second solubilizing agent, a polymeric viscositybuilder, and water, wherein the dapsone is present at a concentration ofabout 3% w/w to 8% w/w.

In another embodiment, there are provided methods for treating adermatological condition. Such methods can be performed, for example, byadministering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectiveamount of a pharmaceutical composition described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 presents the impact of an acrylamide/sodiumacryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer emulsion viscosity builder on colorchange.

FIG. 2 presents the impact of an acrylamide/sodiumacryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer emulsion viscosity builder on dapsonecrystal growth.

FIG. 3 presents the impact of anti-oxidants and chelating agents oncolor change.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand do not restrict the claims. As used herein, the use of the singularincludes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As usedherein, “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, use ofthe term “including” as well as other forms, such as “includes,” and“included,” is not limiting. The section headings used herein are fororganizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting thesubject matter described.

Some embodiments include compositions and products for treatment of skinconditions and methods of treating skin conditions. The term “skincondition” as used herein encompasses human and animal conditions,disorders, or diseases affecting skin. Such skin conditions include, butare not limited to, conditions involving skin inflammation, conditionsinvolving sebaceous glands and hair follicles, conditions characterizedby acneiform symptoms, and conditions involving skin dryness, skinthickening, skin scaling or skin flaking. Skin conditions that can betreated using some compositions, products and methods described hereininclude, but are not limited to, acne, rosacea, folliculitis, perioraldermatitis, photodamage, skin aging, psoriasis, ichtiosis, atopicdermatitis, treatment of chronic wounds, bed sores, keratosis piralis,scars, including surgical and acne scars, sebaceous cysts, inflammatorydermatoses, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, eczema, xerosis,pruritis, lichen planus, nodular prurigo, eczema, and miliaria.

The term “acne,” as used herein, encompasses skin conditions involvingacneiform or acne-like symptoms. For example, a skin conditioncharacterized by follicular eruptions, such as papules and pustulesresembling acne, can be categorized as acne. It is to be understood thatthe term “acne” is not to be limited to diseases and conditionscharacterized by papules and pustules, but can be characterized by avariety of symptoms. It is also to be understood that a particularpatient having acne can be in remission, or the patient's acne can becontrolled by continuing treatments, and therefore the patient canexhibit reduced symptoms or be asymptomatic. Nevertheless, continuingtreatment of acne can be recommended in such a patient in order toreduce the probability of the return of the acne symptoms.

Symptoms of acne or acne-like conditions include, but are not limitedto, the appearance of various skin lesions. The term “lesion” isgenerally used to denote an infected or diseased patch of skin. A lesioncan involve an infected sebaceous gland. Some lesions are more severethan others. Examples of skin lesions are comedones, macules, papules,pustules, nodules and cysts. The term “comedo” (plural “comedones”) isused to describe a sebaceous follicle plugged with dirt, other cells,tiny hairs, or bacteria. Comedones include the so-called “blackheads,”which can also refer to as “open comedones,” which have a spot or asurface that appears black. Comedones also include slightly inflamed,skin colored bumps, as well as “whiteheads,” which have a spot or asurface that appears white. The term “macule” generally refers to a flatspot or area of the skin with a changed color, such as a red spot. Theterm “pustule” is generally used to refer to an inflamed, pus-filledlesion, or a small inflamed elevation of the skin that is filled withpus. The term “papule” is generally used to refer to a small, solid,usually inflammatory elevation of the skin that does not contain pus.The term “nodule” is generally used to refer to an elevation of a skinthat is similar to a papule but is white and dome-shaped. Colloquially,a papule, a pustule or a nodule can be referred to as “a pimple” or “azit.” The term “cyst” generally refers to an abnormal membranous saccontaining a liquid or semi-liquid substance containing white bloodcells, dead cells, and bacteria. Cysts can be painful and extend todeeper layers of skin.

In dermatological science and dermatological and cosmetology practice,acne can be classified or categorized into one or more types orcategories, according to one or more lines of categorization, such as apredominantly observed type of symptoms, severity of condition orpredominant localization. It is to be understood that classification ofacne into one of the subtypes does not mean that the characteristics ofthe classified condition are limited to the symptoms associated with thespecific type.

Comedonal acne is characterized by the appearance of non-inflammatorylesions, such as blackheads and whiteheads. Localized cystic acne ischaracterized by appearance of a few cysts on face, chest and back.Diffuse cystic acne is characterized by the appearance of cysts on wideareas of face, chest and back. Nodular acne is characterized by theappearance of nodules. Nodulocystic acne is characterized by appearanceof nodules and cysts. Acne vulgaris is a common form of acnecharacterized by the appearance of several types of lesions, which mayappear together or separately. Individual acne lesions usually last lessthan two weeks but the deeper papules and nodules may persist formonths. Acne vulgaris commonly affects adolescents, but it may alsoappear, persist or become more severe in adulthood. Acne vulgaris mayoccur on the face, chest, back and sometimes even more extensively.

Depending on severity, acne can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild acneis generally categorized by the appearance of with blackheads andwhiteheads, but can also include papules and pustules. Moderate acne isgenerally characterized by appearance of more painful, deep-rooted,inflamed lesions, which can result in scarring. Severe acne ischaracterized by the appearance of deep-rooted inflammatory lesions,including cysts and nodules which can be painful and can producescarring. Acne conglobata is a category of acne characterized by highlyinflammatory cysts that communicate under the skin with abscesses andburrowing sinus tracts.

Some other skin conditions exhibiting acne-like symptoms which can betreated by the compositions and methods described herein are discussedbelow. Pyoderma faciale, also known as rosacea fulminans, is a conditionthat appears in females and is characterized by abrupt appearance ofinflamed cysts and nodules localized on the face. Rosacea, which can bereferred to as acne rosacea, is a condition that can affects both theskin and the eyes and is characterized by redness, bumps, pimples, and,in advanced stages, thickened skin on the nose. In some classificationsystems, rosacea and acne are considered as separate conditions. Rosaceausually occurs on the face, although the neck and upper chest are alsosometimes involved. A mild degree of eye (ocular) involvement occurs inmore than fifty percent of people with rosacea. Perioral dermatitis ischaracterized by the appearance of small tiny papules, pustules, redbumps and scaling with intense itching. It is usually localized to thesurrounding area of the mouth and on the chin, or extends to involve theeyelids and the forehead. Gram-negative folliculitis is a bacterialinfection characterized by the appearance of pustules and cysts,possibly occurring as a complication resulting from a long termantibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris.

As used herein, the terms “treatment” or “treating” in reference to askin condition generally mean “having positive effect on a skincondition” and encompass alleviation of at least one symptom of a skincondition, a reduction in the severity of the skin conditions, or delay,prevention, or inhibition of the progression of the skin condition.Treatment need not mean that the condition is totally cured. Acomposition or a product useful for treatment of a skin condition, or amethod of treating a skin condition, needs only to reduce the severityof a skin condition, reduce the severity of symptoms associatedtherewith, provide improvement to a patient's quality of life, or delay,prevent, or inhibit the onset of symptoms of a skin condition.

In one embodiment, there are provided compositions including dapsone, afirst solubilizing agent which is diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,optionally at least one second solubilizing agent, a polymeric viscositybuilder, and water, wherein the dapsone is present at a concentration ofabout 5% w/w to about 10% w/w, about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w, about 3%w/w to about 10% w/w, about 3% w/w to about 8% w/w, about 4% w/w toabout 6% w/w, or about 5%. In certain embodiments, dapsone is present inthe composition at 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%,9.5%, or 10.0% w/w.

In some embodiments, the polymeric viscosity builder is anacrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, and furtherincludes isohexadecane, sorbitan oleate, water, and Polysorbate 80. Insome embodiments, the polymeric viscosity builder is present at aconcentration of about 2% w/w to about 6% w/w. In some embodiments, thepolymeric viscosity builder is present at a concentration of about 3%w/w to about 5% w/w. In some embodiments, the polymeric viscositybuilder is present in the composition at about 4% w/w.

In some embodiments, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is present at aconcentration of about 25% w/w to about 40% w/w. In some embodiments,diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is present at a concentration of about30% w/w to about 40% w/w. In some embodiments, diethylene glycolmonoethyl ether is present at a concentration of about 35% w/w to about40% w/w.

In some embodiments, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is present at aconcentration of about 10% w/w to about 40% w/w, about 20% w/w to about30% w/w, or about 25%.

In another embodiment, there are provided compositions further includingadapalene. In some embodiments, adapalene is present at a concentrationof about 0.1% w/w to about 0.3% w/w.

In some embodiments, the second solubilizing agent is selected fromalcohols, glycols, esters, ethers, or silicones. Such secondsolubilizing agents include, but are not limited to, PEG 400, lacticacid, dimethyl isosorbide, propylene glycol, propylene carbonate,hexylene glycol, isostearyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, diethyl sebacate,and ethanol.

In certain embodiments, the second solubilizing agent is propyleneglycol. In some embodiments, propylene glycol is present at aconcentration of about 2% w/w to 8% w/w. In some embodiments, propyleneglycol is present at a concentration of about 3% w/w to 7% w/w. In someembodiments, propylene glycol is present in the composition at about 5%w/w.

In certain embodiments, the second solubilizing agent is propylenecarbonate. In some embodiments, propylene carbonate is present at aconcentration of about 2% w/w to 8% w/w. In some embodiments, propylenecarbonate is present at a concentration of about 3% w/w to 7% w/w. Insome embodiments, propylene carbonate is present in the composition atabout 5% w/w.

In certain embodiments, the second solubilizing agent is ethanol. Insome embodiments, ethanol is present at a concentration of about 1% w/wto about 5% w/w. In some embodiments, ethanol is present at aconcentration of about 2% w/w to about 4% w/w. In some embodiments,ethanol is present in the composition at about 3% w/w.

In some embodiments, the compositions further include methyl paraben.

In other embodiments, the compositions further include carbomerhomopolymer type C. In some embodiments, carbomer homopolymer type C ispresent at a concentration of about 0.7% w/w to about 1.5% w/w. In otherembodiments, carbomer homopolymer type C is present at a concentrationof about 0.85% w/w to about 1.0% w/w.

In some embodiments, the compositions further include a neutralizingagent. In certain embodiments, the neutralizing agent is an ionic oramine buffer. In certain embodiments, the neutralizing agent is sodiumhydroxide or triethanolamine. Use of a neutralizing agent results incompositions typically having a pH from 5.5 to 6.5.

In some embodiments, the compositions further include a chelating agent.In some embodiments, the chelating agent is ethylene diamine tetraaceticacid (EDTA). EDTA is typically present in the compositions from about0.02% w/w to about 0.04% w/w. In certain embodiments, EDTA is present inthe compositions at about 0.03% w/w.

Compositions described herein are typically in the form of a gel, anemulsion, a cream, a liquid, a paste, a lotion, a nanoemulsion, amicroemulsion, a reverse emulsion, or a liposomal cream.

Embodiments

The following embodiments are specifically contemplated herein.

-   -   Embodiment 1. A composition comprising dapsone, a first        solubilizing agent which is diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,        optionally at least one second solubilizing agent, a polymeric        viscosity builder, and water, wherein the dapsone is present in        the composition at a concentration of about 3% w/w to about 10%        w/w.    -   Embodiment 2. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the        diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is present at a concentration        of about 10% w/w to about 40% w/w.    -   Embodiment 3. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the        diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is present at a concentration        of about 20% w/w to about 30% w/w.    -   Embodiment 4. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the        diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is present in the composition        at a concentration of about 25% w/w.    -   Embodiment 5. The composition of embodiment 1, further        comprising adapalene.    -   Embodiment 6. The composition of embodiment 5, wherein the        adapalene is present at a concentration of about 0.1% w/w to        about 0.3% w/w.    -   Embodiment 7. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the second        solubilizing agent is selected an alcohol, a glycol, an ester,        or an ether.    -   Embodiment 8. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the        second solubilizing agent is PEG 400, lactic acid, dimethyl        isosorbide, propylene glycol, propylene carbonate, hexylene        glycol, isostearyl alcohol, diethyl sebacate, or ethanol.    -   Embodiment 9. The composition of embodiment 8, wherein the        second solubilizing agent is propylene glycol.    -   Embodiment 10. The composition of embodiment 9, wherein the        propylene glycol is present in the composition at a        concentration of about 5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 11. The composition of embodiment 8, wherein the        second solubilizing agent is propylene carbonate.    -   Embodiment 12. The composition of embodiment 11, wherein the        propylene carbonate is present in the composition at a        concentration of about 5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 13. The composition of embodiment 8, wherein the        second solubilizing agent is ethanol.    -   Embodiment 14. The composition of embodiment 13, wherein the        ethanol is present in the composition at a concentration of        about 3% w/w.    -   Embodiment 15. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the        polymeric viscosity builder comprises an acrylamide/sodium        acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer.    -   Embodiment 16. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the        polymeric viscosity builder is present at a concentration of        about 2% w/w to about 6% w/w.    -   Embodiment 17. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the        polymeric viscosity builder is present at a concentration of        about 4% w/w.    -   Embodiment 18. The composition of embodiment 1, further        comprising methyl paraben.    -   Embodiment 19. The composition of embodiment 1, further        comprising Carbomer interpolymer type A, Carbomer interpolymer        type B, or Carbomer Homopolymer Type C.    -   Embodiment 20. The composition of embodiment 19, wherein the        Carbomer Homopolymer Type C is present at a concentration of        about 0.7% w/w to about 1.5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 21. The composition of embodiment 19, wherein the        Carbomer Homopolymer Type C is present at a concentration of        about 0.85% w/w to about 1.5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 22. The composition of embodiment 19, wherein the        Carbomer interpolymer Type A is present at a concentration of        about 1% w/w to 2% w/w.    -   Embodiment 23. The composition of embodiment 19, wherein the        Carbomer interpolymer Type B is present at a concentration of        about 0.1% w/w to about 0.5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 24. The composition of embodiment 1, further        comprising a neutralizing agent.    -   Embodiment 25. The composition of embodiment 24 wherein the        neutralizing agent is NaOH or triethanolamine.    -   Embodiment 26. The composition of embodiment 1 further        comprising a chelating agent.    -   Embodiment 27. The composition of embodiment 26, wherein the        chelating agent is ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid.    -   Embodiment 28. The composition of embodiment 27, wherein the        ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid is present at a concentration        of about 0.02% w/w to about 0.04% w/w.    -   Embodiment 29. The composition of embodiment 27, wherein the        ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid is present in the composition        at about 0.03% w/w.    -   Embodiment 30. The composition of embodiment 1 wherein the        composition is in the form of a gel, a suspension, an emulsion,        a cream, a liquid, a paste, a lotion, a nanoemulsion, a        microemulsion, a reverse emulsion, or a liposomal cream.    -   Embodiment 31. A method for treating a dermatological condition        comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a        therapeutically effective amount of a composition of embodiment        1.    -   Embodiment 32. The method of embodiment 31 wherein the condition        is acne vulgaris, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, treatment of        chronic wounds, bed sores, keratosis piralis, sebaceous cysts,        inflammatory dermatoses, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation,        eczema, xerosis, pruritis, lichen planus, nodular prurigo,        dermatitis, eczema, or miliaria.    -   Embodiment 33. The method of embodiment 32 wherein the condition        is acne vulgaris.    -   Embodiment 34. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, or 4,        further comprising adapalene.    -   Embodiment 35. The composition of embodiment 34, wherein the        adapalene is present at a concentration of about 0.1% w/w to        about 0.3% w/w.    -   Embodiment 36. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, or        35, wherein the second solubilizing agent is selected an        alcohol, a glycol, an ester, or an ether.    -   Embodiment 37. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35,        or 36, wherein the second solubilizing agent is PEG 400, lactic        acid, dimethyl isosorbide, propylene glycol, propylene        carbonate, hexylene glycol, isostearyl alcohol, diethyl        sebacate, or ethanol.    -   Embodiment 38. The composition of embodiment 37, wherein the        second solubilizing agent is propylene glycol.    -   Embodiment 39. The composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        propylene glycol is present in the composition at a        concentration of about 5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 40. The composition of embodiment 37, wherein the        second solubilizing agent is propylene carbonate.    -   Embodiment 41. The composition of embodiment 40, wherein the        propylene carbonate is present in the composition at a        concentration of about 5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 42. The composition of embodiment 37, wherein the        second solubilizing agent is ethanol.    -   Embodiment 43. The composition of embodiment 42, wherein the        ethanol is present in the composition at a concentration of        about 3% w/w.    -   Embodiment 44. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35,        36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, or 43, wherein the polymeric        viscosity builder comprises an acrylamide/sodium        acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer.    -   Embodiment 45. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35,        36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the polymeric        viscosity builder is present at a concentration of about 2% w/w        to about 6% w/w.    -   Embodiment 46. The composition of embodiment 45, wherein the        polymeric viscosity builder is present at a concentration of        about 4% w/w.    -   Embodiment 47. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35,        36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, further        comprising methyl paraben.    -   Embodiment 48. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35,        36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, or 47, further        comprising Carbomer interpolymer type A, Carbomer interpolymer        type B, or Carbomer Homopolymer Type C.    -   Embodiment 49. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the        Carbomer Homopolymer Type C is present at a concentration of        about 0.7% w/w to about 1.5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 50. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the        Carbomer Homopolymer Type C is present at a concentration of        about 0.85% w/w to about 1.5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 51. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the        Carbomer interpolymer Type A is present at a concentration of        about 1% w/w to 2% w/w.    -   Embodiment 52. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the        Carbomer interpolymer Type B is present at a concentration of        about 0.1% w/w to about 0.5% w/w.    -   Embodiment 53. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35,        36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,        or 52, further comprising a neutralizing agent.    -   Embodiment 54. The composition of embodiment 53 wherein the        neutralizing agent is NaOH or triethanolamine.    -   Embodiment 55. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35,        36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,        52, 53, or 54, further comprising a chelating agent.    -   Embodiment 56. The composition of embodiment 55, wherein the        chelating agent is ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid.    -   Embodiment 57. The composition of embodiment 56, wherein the        ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid is present at a concentration        of about 0.02% w/w to about 0.04% w/w.    -   Embodiment 58. The composition of embodiment 56, wherein the        ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid is present in the composition        at about 0.03% w/w.    -   Embodiment 59. The composition of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35,        36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,        52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, or 58, wherein the composition is in the        form of a gel, a suspension, an emulsion, a cream, a liquid, a        paste, a lotion, a nanoemulsion, a microemulsion, a reverse        emulsion, or a liposomal cream.    -   Embodiment 60. A method for treating a dermatological condition        comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a        therapeutically effective amount of a composition of embodiment        1, 2, 3, 4, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,        47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59.    -   Embodiment 61. The method of embodiment 60 wherein the condition        is acne vulgaris, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, treatment of        chronic wounds, bed sores, keratosis piralis, sebaceous cysts,        inflammatory dermatoses, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation,        eczema, xerosis, pruritis, lichen planus, nodular prurigo,        dermatitis, eczema, or miliaria.    -   Embodiment 62. The method of embodiment 60 wherein the condition        is acne vulgaris.

The following examples are intended only to illustrate the someembodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Table 1 lists two formulations (containing equivalent levels ofdiethylene glycol monoethyl ether) that show the impact ofacrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer based thickener ondapsone particle size. FIG. 2 presents impact of acrylamide/sodiumacryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer based thickener on dapsone crystalgrowth. The microscopic image of ENA (30% diethylene glycol monoethylether, 4% acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer basedthickener) in comparison to ENC (30% diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,1% Carbopol 980) shows a clear difference in particle size of thedapsone. Larger crystals were observed in the sample with carbomerhomopolymer type C (ENC vs. ENA).

TABLE 1 Formulations Tested For Dapsone Crystal Size Formulation # ENAENC Dapsone 7.5 7.5 Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether 30 30 Carbomerhomopolymer type C. — 1 acrylamide/sodium 4 — acryloyldimethyltauratecopolymer based thickener Methyl paraben 0.2 0.2 pH adjusting solutionpH 5.5-7 pH 5.5-7 Purified Water Q.S 100 Q.S 100

Example 2

Example compositions contemplated for use as described herein are setforth in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2 Composition # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Dapsone 5-10 Adapalene —0.1-0.3 Diethylene glycol 30 35 40 30 35 30 35 40 30 35 monoethyl etherCarbomer homopolymer — 0.85-1.5 — — — 0.85-1.5 type C Acrylamide/sodium4 — 4 — acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer emulsion Methyl paraben 0.2NaOH/pH adjusting pH 5.5-6.5 solution Purified Water Q.S 100

Example 3

Anti-oxidants and chelating agents such as sodium metabisulfite, citricacid and EDTA were added to formulations to help slow down or completelystop any impurity formation. Table 3 presents the composition offormulations tested. Formulation A7 with sodium metabisulfite minimizedthe intensity of yellow color caused by the increased solubility ofdapsone in diethylene glycol monoethyl ether and maintained the lowcolor intensity over time at accelerated condition (40° C.). See FIG. 3for appearance of the formulations over 4 weeks. Table 4 presents theformulation panel summarizing other formulation options with chelatingagents and antioxidants.

TABLE 3 Compositions Tested containing Antioxidants or Chelating AgentsComposition # A5 A6 A7 Dapsone 7.5 Diethylene glycol monoethyl 35 40 35ether carbomer homopolymer type C 1.25 — 1.25 Acrylamide/sodium —  4 —acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer emulsion EDTA 0.05 — Anhydrous CitricAcid 0.1 — Sodium Metabisulfite — 0.2 Methyl paraben 0.17 0.2 Propylparaben 0.03 — NaOH/pH adjusting solution pH 5.5-6.5 Purified Water Q.S100

TABLE 4 Formulation panel summarizing other formulation optionsComposition # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Dapsone 5-10  Adapalene — 0.1-0.3Diethylene glycol 30 35 40 30 35 30 35 40 30 35 monoethyl ether carbomerhomopolymer — 0.85-1.5 — 0.85-1.5 type C Acrylamide/sodium 4 — 4 —Acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer emulsion EDTA 0-0.1 Citric Acid 0-0.1Sodium Metabisulfite 0-0.5 Methyl paraben 0.2 NaOH/pH adjusting pH5.5-6.5 solution Purified Water Q.S 100

Example 4

Additional example compositions contemplated for use as described hereinare set forth in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5 Additional examples containing alternate neutralizer % w/wMaterials 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5 5-6 Dapsone 7.5 Adapalene — 0.3 —Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether 30 35 40 30 40 25 carbomer homopolymertype C 1 Methylparaben 0.2 Triethanolamine (TEA) Q.S. pH 5.5-6.5Hydrochloric Acid Q.S pH 5.5-6.5 Purified Water q.s.a.d. 100

Example 4

Additional example compositions contemplated for use as described hereinare set forth in Table 6 below.

TABLE 6 Additional examples (containing co-solvents, stabilizer andalternate thickener) % w/w Materials 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-6 Dapsone 7.510 7.5 Adapalene — 0.3 Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether 25 35 35 25 3040 Propylene glycol 5 Propylene Carbonate 5 Ethanol (absolute) 3 — 3EDTA 0.03 Carbomer Interpolymer Type A — 1.5 Carbomer Interpolymer TypeB — 0.3 Acrylamide/sodium 4 — 4 acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymeremulsion Methyl Paraben 0.2 Triethanolamine — Q.S. pH 5.5-6.5 PurifiedWater q.s.a.d. 100

Example 5

Another useful composition is depicted in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Amount Ingredient (% w/w) Dapsone 5-8 Adapalene 0.1-0.3Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether 40.00 Propylene glycol  5.00 Ethanol(absolute)  3.00 Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic acid  0.03 (EDTA) MethylParaben  0.20 Sepineo P 600  4.00 Purified Water Q.S.

Example 6

Another useful composition is depicted in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Amount Ingredient (% w/w) Dapsone 5.0 Diethylene glycolmonoethyl ether 25 Methyl Paraben 0.2 Carbopol 980 0.85 Sodium Hydroxide0.2 Purified Water Q.S.

While this some embodiments have been described with respect to thesespecific examples, it is understood that other modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Each and every reference identified herein is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A topical pharmaceutical composition comprising:about 5% w/w to about 10% w/w dapsone; about 0.1% w/w to about 0.3%adapalene; about 30% w/w to about 40% w/w diethylene glycol monoethylether; about 2% w/w to about 6% w/w of a polymeric viscosity buildercomprising acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer; andwater.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the dapsone is present ata concentration of about 10% w/w.
 3. The composition of claim 2, whereinthe adapalene is present at a concentration of about 0.1% w/w.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 3, wherein the diethylene glycol monoethyl ether ispresent at a concentration of about 35% w/w.
 5. The composition of claim3, wherein the diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is present at aconcentration of about 40% w/w.
 6. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe polymeric viscosity builder is present at a concentration of about4% w/w.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the topicalpharmaceutical composition further comprises methyl paraben.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the topical pharmaceutical compositionfurther comprises EDTA.